Biological and Nutrient Packages Available

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Why Should I Test My Soil?

It is nearly impossible to predict what affect any product will have on your soil if you have no idea what is going on within your soil.  The very first step anyone should take is to find out what are they working with?  Once you have determined what your soil lacks or has an abundance of you can begin to restructure the soil from a biological standpoint.  Earthfort specializes in soil biology.  We analyze biology reports completed with a soil test and then make recommendations to improve that soil depending on our client’s goal.  We take proven science and translate that into practical application. Soil testing can help you achieve healthy soil.

The benefits of healthy soil:

  • Improved Soil Health
  • Reduced Water Usage
  • Improved nutrient cycling
  • Increased drought resistance
  • Deeper root growth
  • Improved soil structure
  • Increased disease resistance

Watch how to complete the Lab Test Order Form

Data Sharing Guidelines

Earthfort, LLC generates data at the request of our customers, the ownership of this information belongs to the responsible parties and is always available upon request. We take the privacy of our customers very seriously, to this end we present the following guidelines:

Data and finished reports will be shared and/or discussed with 3rd parties only with written permission form the “owner” of the data. Written permission is acceptable by letter or through email.

Compost producers may present an open letter expressing the willingness for us to share their test results with potential customers.

GETTING STARTED:
Download Order Form & Follow Shipping Instructions

US Testing Order Form

(for samples originating within the US and US territories)

International Testing Order Form

(for samples originating from foreign countries)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Earthfort is pleased to offer testing to clients living and sampling in other countries. In order to keep this service available, you must comply with United States Department of Agriculture’s regulations. In addition to filling out our International Order form and including it in your box, clients sending foreign samples MUST first contact us to request an official PPQ Form 599 Customs Permit to be sent to you, prior to taking samples and shipping them to us. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO HAND CARRY ANY TYPE OF FOREIGN SAMPLE INTO THE UNITED STATES, SAMPLES MUST BE SHIPPED TO OUR LABORATORY PER PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. Failing to follow USDA requirements for packaging and shipping of samples can result in delays in samples arriving at our lab, sample loss or destruction, package returns, and fines up to $300,000 US dollars, as well as our discontinuation of this service. These requirements are in place to safeguard United States agriculture and natural resources; violations of these regulations are taken very seriously.

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We’re here to help. Call  (541)257-2612 or email us at info@earthfort.com

Soil, Compost, and Liquid Sampling Instructions

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Soil, Compost, and Liquid Sampling Instructions

Details how to take a soil, compost, or liquid samples and how much material is needed to perform the test(s).

For instructions on how to mail your samples for their safe arrival to our lab, click here.

Testing Overview

Soil Testing Overview

We utilize a variety of testing methodologies to measure the abundance of life in soils and soil amendments. All testing methods are scientifically validated. Results provide indicators of soil health and function (references available upon request).

Testing packages and the individual assays are defined below. Except where noted, these tests do not identify specific organisms. Biology tests measure the Biomass of Total Populations in general categories of the functional groups. (Some below assays identify to species). Totals of these groups represent a snapshot of the biological profile or nutrient profile of the soil or amendment at the time of testing. While some of these tests can be performed singularly, together they represent a comprehensive picture of the health and utility of the material tested.

Measuring the Biomass of bacteria in a sample is the first step in understanding the health of a soil and the potential benefit of an inoculum or amendment. Total population of bacteria provides us with an indicator of abundance of food for predators, nutrient cycling capacity and general diversity of the bacterial population. We report this number as micrograms per gram or micrograms per milliliter (μg/g or μg/ml) of biomass. The Active population is the component of the Total Biomass that is currently metabolizing oxygen; i.e., the functional fraction of the bacteria. The relative range of these two numbers varies based on crop type and season. When looking at inoculants the balance between Active and Total is important for two different reasons: In compost this balance needs to be below 10%, indicating a mature and stable material. In liquid inoculums, higher ratios are better for a foliar application. This high activity assists the organisms stick to the plant surface. For soil application of a liquid, this balance may not be as critical as bacteria will become active in the soil environment.